The Regional General Committee met on February 6, 2003 at 9:36 a.m. in the Council Chambers, Regional Administrative Headquarters, 10 Peel Centre Dr., Brampton.

Regional Chair E. Kolb presided.

Additional Item

Raising the Roof Campaign

Regional Chair Kolb informed Members of Council of the Peel Homeless Youth Network Raising the Roof Campaign being promoted outside of the chambers. He stated that the campaign was about raising awareness of homelessness in the Region. He encouraged Councillors to participate in the event and advised that toques are on sale for $7 each and that 80 per cent of the total sales will go to the youth employed in initiatives to build furniture for shelters in Peel. The Chair thanked all staff involved in the campaign.

A. ROLL CALL

B. DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

RECOMMENDATION GC-23-2003:

That the agenda for the February 6, 2003 General Committee meeting be amended to withdraw In Camera Matters - Item G3 to allow time for Peel Police Services Board's approval;

And further, that the agenda for the February 6, 2003 General Committee meeting be approved, as amended.

D. DELEGATIONS/PRESENTATIONS

D1. Glenn Barnes, Chair, Members of the Transhelp Advisory Committee Regarding Transhelp's Annual Report

Received

Glenn Barnes provided an update on Transhelp service levels for the year 2002. He advised that ridership doubled in 2002 yet available rides rose only 35 per cent. He further advised that Transhelp passengers are currently faced with a two to four day wait to book a ride. Glenn Barnes identified lack of funding and buses as two of the main barriers. He highlighted that the main goal for 2003 is to meet current demands and to provide same day service to users.

Members of Council thanked Glenn Barnes for providing them with an excellent and informative presentation.

See also Items Related to Human Services - Item HS-C1

Councillor Iannicca arrived at 9:43 a.m.
Councillor Whitehead arrived at 9:51 a.m.
Councillor Fennell arrived at 10:09 a.m.

Items Related to Human Services - Item HS-C1 was dealt with.

HS-C1. Transhelp Advisory Committee Annual Report

RECOMMENDATION GC-24-2003:

That the Transhelp Advisory Committee 2002 Annual Report, attached as Appendix I to the report of the Commissioner of Social Services, dated January 13, 2003, titled "Transhelp Advisory Committee Annual Report", be received with thanks by General Committee of Regional Council.

See also Delegations/Presentations - Item D1

D2. Sam Stabile, Solicitor, Stabile and Partners Regarding Julsta Investments - Lot 16, Plan 43M-879, Tracey Boulevard, Regional Development Charges

RECOMMENDATION GC-25-2003:

That the matter regarding Julsta Investments be referred back to staff for further information outlining what took place prior to the agreement between Sam Stabile and D & V Plastic Inc.;

And further, that a report be brought back to the February 13, 2003 Regional Council meeting, with a recommendation for consideration.

Councillor McCallion departed at 10:46 a.m.

E. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

Chaired by Councillor K. Mahoney

HEALTH

HS-A. Health Planning

HS-A1. Public Health Recommendations from the Romanow and Kirby Reports

Received

SOCIAL SERVICES

HS-B. Children's Services

HS-B1. Children's Services Directly Operated Child Care Centres: High/Scope Curriculum Implementation
Presentation by Janice Graves, Manager, Directly Operated Centres on the High/Scope Implementation Process in the Region's Directly Operated Child Care Centres

Received

HS-C. Transhelp

HS-C1. Transhelp Advisory Committee Annual Report

This item was dealt with earlier in the meeting

HS-C2. Transhelp Service to Passengers Unable to Communicate

RECOMMENDATION GC-26-2003:

That Regional Council reaffirm Transhelp's policy that passengers unable to communicate must travel with an escort;

And further, that Regional Council endorse the use of waivers and "passports" to allow passengers unable to communicate to travel unaccompanied, only when they are going to and from designated caregiver sites, as described in the report of the Commissioner of Social Services, dated December 12, 2002, titled "Transhelp Service to Passengers Unable to Communicate."

 

Chaired by Councillor R. Whitehead

CORPORATE SERVICES

MA-A. Legal Services

MA-A1. Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) Governance Changes

RECOMMENDATION GC-27-2003:

That the Federal Minister of Transport, the Honourable David Collenette and the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) be advised that the Region of Peel does not support the changes to the governance structure of the GTAA and that they be requested to take immediate steps to change the governance structure to one that is acceptable to the Regional Municipalities in the Greater Toronto Area and the City of Toronto, in accordance with the Public Accountability Principles for Canadian Airport Authorities dated July 1994;

And further, that the Region's selection process for nominees for appointment to membership in the GTAA, be commenced to select three (3) candidates for possible appointment by March 10, 2003;

And further, that efforts be made to coordinate the selection of the three candidates with the selection of candidates by the Boards of Trade and the Chamber of Commerce in Peel;

And further, that the GTAA be requested to extend the deadline for submission of nominees;

And further, that the report of the Commissioner of Corporate Services and Regional Solicitor, dated January 29, 2003, titled "Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) Governance Changes" and related communications from the Regional Chair be forwarded to area MPs for their support.

FINANCE

MA-B. Corporate Finance

MA-B1. Delegation of Tax Ratio Setting Authority/2003 Reassessment Update

RECOMMENDATION GC-28-2003:

That the delegation of the upper-tier tax ratio setting authority under Section 310 of the Municipal Act, be approved;

And further, that the necessary by-law be presented to Regional Council;

And further, that the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing be requested to make a regulation designating the Region of Peel as a delegated municipality for 2003.

MA-B2. Funding Options - Social Housing and Long Term Care Projects

RECOMMENDATION GC-29-2003:

That pending a future report from the Treasurer and Commissioner of Finance on the viability of Provincial Opportunity Bonds as a source of long term capital funding, the following internal loans be approved:

" Up to $13.6 million for funding the new Brampton and Mississauga Long Term Care facilities, for a period of up to twenty years at an annual rate of 5.4%. The loan will be fully open as to allow early retirement in whole or part of the outstanding principal;

" Up to $15.1 million for the new Social Housing project - Confederation Place, for a term of ten years at an annual rate of 4.7%. The loan will be fully open as to allow early retirement in whole or part of the outstanding principal with an amortization period of thirty five years;

And further, that subject to confirmation by the Peel Living Board, the following loan be provided to Peel Living:

" Up to $12.37 million for the new Social Housing project - Twin Pines, for a term of ten years at an annual rate of 4.7%. The loan will be fully open as to allow early retirement in whole or part of the outstanding principal with an amortization period of thirty five years;

And further, that staff be authorized to take all necessary actions to bring these recommendations into effect.

MA-C. Internal Audit

MA-C1. Minutes of the Audit Subcommittee meeting held on January 23, 2003

1. DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

RECOMMENDATION ASC-1-2003:

That the agenda for January 23, 2003 Audit Subcommittee meeting be approved.

3. DELEGATIONS/PRESENTATIONS

4. REPORTS

a) KPMG Audit Planning Report and Engagement Letter

Received

RECOMMENDATION ASC-2-2003:

That a report be brought forward to Council outlining the fiscal responsibility and accountability of the Region, and the role of the internal and external auditors and measures taken in self-monitoring.

b) External Audit Management Letters Update

Received

c) Region Risk Management Assessment and Internal Audit Work Plan for 2003 to 2005

Received

d) Accounting for Water Supplied by Fire Hydrant Connection Permits (Oral)
Remarks by Mitch Zamojc, Commissioner of Public Works

Received

5. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE MEETINGS

a) Internal Audits in Progress (Oral)
Remarks by Larry Hawes, Director, Internal Audit

Received

RECOMMENDATION ASC-3-2003:

That a special joint meeting of the Audit Subcommittee and Emergency and Protective Services Committee be held to facilitate discussions of Internal Audit's review of Ambulance and Emergency Programs, and the Consultant's review of the Operators, in light of the upcoming decision to be made by Council regarding Ambulance Services Contracts.

6. OTHER BUSINESS

PEOPLE, INFORMATION AND TECHNOLOGY

MA-D. Information Technology Services

MA-D1. Geographic Information System (GIS) Data Exchange with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Other Agencies

RECOMMENDATION GC-30-2003:

That the report of the Commissioners of People, Information and Technology, Planning and Public Works, dated January 20, 2003, titled "Geographic Information System (GIS) Data Exchange with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Other Agencies", be referred back to staff pending further discussion between Regional and City of Brampton staff regarding agreements for exchanging information with other levels of governments.

MA-E. COMMUNICATIONS

MA-E1. Doug Barnes, Assistant Deputy Minister, Ministry of the Environment, Letter dated January 14, 2003 Regarding Proposed New Drinking Water Regulation

Received

See also Other Business - Item F1

Chaired by Councillor I. Sinclair

PL-A. Planning Policy and Research

PL-A1. Response to the Nutrient Management Act Draft Stage 2 Regulations

RECOMMENDATION GC-31-2003:

That the report of the Commissioners of Planning, Public Works, Health and the Medical Officer of Health dated January 22, 2003, titled "Response to the Nutrient Management Act Draft Stage 2 Regulations" and the it's Appendix 1 be submitted to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and Ministry of the Environment for consideration;

And further, that a copy of the subject report and it's Appendix 1 be sent to the Area Municipalities within Peel, the Regional Municipalities within the Greater Toronto Area, Cities of Toronto and Hamilton, Association of Municipalities of Ontario, Credit Valley Conservation, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and the Niagara Escarpment Commission for their information.

See also Item PL-B3

PL-A2. Update of Initiatives for Securing Environmentally Sensitive and Significant Lands in Peel

Received

PL-B. COMMUNICATIONS

PL-B1. Chandra Urquhart, Legislative Coordinator, City of Brampton, Letter dated December 30, 2002, Advising of the City of Brampton's Resolution PDD403-2002 Regarding North West Brampton Urban Boundary Review

Referred to Planning

PL-B2. Chris Stockwell, MPP, Minister of the Environment, Letter dated January 13, 2003, Responding to the Region of Peel's Resolution 2002-1104 Regarding Air Quality Monitoring Stations

Received

PL-B3. Cheri Cowan, Clerk, Town of Caledon, Letter dated January 16, 2003, Advising of the Town of Caledon's Resolution W-18-2003 Regarding Nutrient Management Legislation - Stage 2 Draft Document

Received

See also Item PL-A1

 

Regional Chair Kolb presided.

PW-A. Administration

PW-A1. International Year of Freshwater (2003)

RECOMMENDATION GC-32-2003:

That the year 2003 be proclaimed as the International Year of Freshwater in the Region of Peel.

PW-B. Engineering and Construction

PW-B1. Steeles Avenue West Widening from Chinguacousy Road to Approximately 400 Meters (1312 ft) West of Hurontario Street, Project 02-4080 - City of Brampton, Wards 3, 4 and 6

RECOMMENDATION GC-33-2003:

That the consulting engineering firm, Stantec Consulting Limited, be retained to provide detailed design, contract administration and construction supervision services for the widening of Steeles Avenue West from Chinguacousy Road to approximately 400 meters (1312 ft) west of Hurontario Street, at a total estimated cost of $609,100.00 (excluding GST), under Project No. 02-4080;

And further, that the required documents be executed by the Region's duly authorized signing officers.

PW-B2. Dixie Road Between Sandalwood Parkway and Countryside Drive - Streetlighting, Project 02-4245 - City of Brampton, Ward 10

RECOMMENDATION GC-34-2003:

That funding in the amount of $150,000 be provided for the installation of streetlighting on Dixie Road, from Sandalwood Parkway to Countryside Drive, under Project 02-4245;

And further, that the necessary funds be advanced from the 1999 Development Charge Background Study Component 5300 to new Component 12827 under Project 02-4245 funded from the Roads Development Charge Reserve R3505.

PW-B3. New Traffic Control Signals - Britannia Road and Bidwell Trail/Whitehorn Avenue, Project 03-4470 - City of Mississauga, Ward 6

RECOMMENDATION GC-35-2003:

That funding in the amount of $100,000 be provided for the installation of traffic control signals at the intersection of Britannia Road and Bidwell Trail/Whitehorn Avenue, under Project 03-4470;

And further, that the necessary funds be provided from the 1999 Development Charge Background Study under Project 03-4470, to be funded from the Roads Development Charge Reserve R3505.

PW-B4. Development Charges Reimbursement - Airport Road Reconstruction at Braydon Boulevard, Project 01-4035 - City of Brampton, Ward 10

RECOMMENDATION GC-36-2003:

That the Region of Peel reimburse Metrus Development Incorporated ($500,000) and Mattamy Development Company ($500,000) for a total of $1,000,000, for the reconstruction and widening of Airport Road at the Braydon Boulevard intersection in accordance with the executed subdivision agreements 21T- 98004B and 21T- 92025;

And further, that funding be provided from Capital Budget Item 01-4035;

And further, that the required documents be executed by the Region's duly authorized signing officers.

PW-C. Waste Management

PW-C1. Proposed Waste Management System for 2005 Through 2012

RECOMMENDATION GC-37-2003:

That single stream collection of recyclables be implemented effective May 1, 2005, or earlier if feasible;

And further, that effective May 1, 2005, or earlier if feasible, weekly co-collection of kitchen organics and single stream recyclables, biweekly yard waste collection from July through to September, weekly yard waste collection during the peak seasons (April through June and October through November), and weekly garbage collection be implemented in Brampton and Mississauga;

And further, that effective May 1, 2005, or earlier if feasible, weekly co-collection of kitchen organics and single stream recyclables, and for settlement areas only, biweekly yard waste collection from April through November be implemented in the Town of Caledon;

And further, that staff report back with the costs and benefits of weekly versus biweekly garbage collection in the Town of Caledon effective May 1, 2005;

And further, that a single stream recycling material recovery facility (MRF) be constructed in the Region of Peel, capable of processing approximately 130,000 tonnes per year;

And further, that a waste transfer station to transfer approximately 60,000 tonnes per year of garbage and MRF residue, and approximately 70,000 tonnes per year of yard waste and kitchen organics be constructed in the Region of Peel.

PW-C2. Region Wide Organics Program Recommendation for the Expansion of the Caledon Peel Organics Composting Facility

RECOMMENDATION GC-38-2003:

That a kitchen organics curbside collection program for Brampton and Mississauga be implemented effective May 1, 2005, or earlier if feasible;

And further, that the Caledon-Peel Organics Composting Facility be expanded to process 60,000 tonnes of organic material annually subject to:

1. This proposal being presented to the Town of Caledon Council for their information.

2. An area specific Community meeting be held to obtain public input.

And further, that financing then be provided from Capitol Project #03-6300 Region-wide Organics Program in the amount of $10,735,000;

And further, that staff then be authorized to execute an agreement with the Town of Caledon for the use of the lands adjacent to the Caledon Landfill;

And further, that staff then obtain the necessary permits and environmental approvals required for the expansion;

And further, that staff then prepare and award the required tender documents to allow for the construction of the facility in 2003 following standard Regional purchasing policy, and with the provision the certain components of that plant must be supplied from specific vendors;

And further, that the Purchasing Manager then enter into direct negotiations with specified suppliers; and award upon successful negotiations the purchases of composting equipment, rolled concrete, the Erin Starscreen 400, and the Norton Hurrikan;

And further, that the required documents be executed by the Region of Peel's duly authorized signing officers.

Councillor Seglins noted that the expansion of the composting facility is a long term solution that will result in substantive savings for the Region of Peel and it's taxpayers in the range of ten million dollars.

PW-D. COMMUNICATIONS

PW-D1. News Release: From the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), dated January 22, 2003, Providing an Update on the Stewardship Ontario Draft Blue Box Plan

Received

F. OTHER BUSINESS

F1. Resolution Regarding the Safe Drinking Water Act

RECOMMENDATION GC-39-2003:

Whereas:

a) Regional Council has considered two joint reports of the Commissioner of Corporate Services and Regional Solicitor, the Commissioner of Health, the Medical Officer of Health and the Commissioner of Public Works, dated December 19, 2002 on the subject of the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002 (the "Act");

b) In Resolution 2002-323, Regional Council strongly urged the Province of Ontario to release without further delay its proposal for a Provincial Water Management Strategy leading to a Provincial Water Policy for the protection of surface and groundwater resources;

c) The Act does not deal with the protection of water sources and no Provincial Water Management Strategy has been released;

d) The Ministry of the Environment is responsible under the Act for administering various approval processes which have a direct impact upon the cost and effectiveness of the operation of municipal drinking water systems, but is experiencing general difficulty discharging its approval functions in a timely and effective manner;

e) The Act introduces a high degree of regulation, including requirements for Provincial approvals to govern municipal drinking water systems and provides for the enforcement of the new regulatory regime through the creation of potentially extraordinary levels of fines and imprisonment for breaches of the Act;

f) The Act imposes upon municipalities the potential responsibility for the remediation of failing non-municipal drinking water systems;

Now therefore be it resolved that,

1. Regional Council reiterates its request that the Province of Ontario proceed without delay with the release of a Provincial Water Management Strategy leading to a Provincial Water Policy for the protection of ground and surface water resources, as called for in the Report of the Walkerton Inquiry.

2. The Ministry of the Environment is requested to simplify and expedite the approval issuance process, including permitting municipalities like the Region of Peel which have the ability either through the expertise of their staff or through their ability to retain expertise from the private sector, to manage their own program for the issuance of approvals required under the Act, thereby freeing up resources of the Ministry of the Environment to deal with approvals required by other municipalities.

3. The Attorney General and the Minister of the Environment be requested to ensure that in the course of the enforcement of the Act Provincial staff exercise considerable restraint in laying charges and seeking penalties resulting from technical breaches of the Act from which no drinking water health hazard could have resulted.

4. Regional Council objects to Section 110 of the Act and related provisions which authorize a Director under the Act to effectively impose upon the Region the burden of dealing with failing non-municipal water systems.

5. The responsibility for the maintenance and repair of non-municipal water systems remain the responsibility of the owner or operator of such systems in the first instance, and of the Province of Ontario as the responsible regulatory authority in the event of a default by the owner or operator.

See also Items Related to Management - Item MA-E1

G. IN CAMERA MATTERS
Chaired by Regional Chair E. Kolb

General Committee moved In Camera at 11:59 a.m.

G1. A proposed or pending acquisition of land for municipal purposes

G2. A proposed or pending acquisition of land for municipal purposes

G3. A proposed or pending acquisition of land for municipal purposes (Withdrawn)

G4. The receiving of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose

General Committee moved out of In Camera at 12:06 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 12:07 p.m.